In December 2025 the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) approved the project under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This followed planning approval from the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in September 2025. Under DCCEEW's approval the project must be undertaken in accordance with specified conditions. The conditions are achievable and Ark Energy looks forward to working through them with guidance from specialist ecologists and planning partners. Commitments also include installation of the IdentiFlight bird detection system to minimise potential impacts to eagles.

The project's planning and assessment documentation is available from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Tasmania's website and DCCEEW's approval decision notice with final conditions is available from the EPBC Act Public Portal.

With the project now approved by Central Highlands Council, the EPA Tasmania and DCCEEW, surveys have commenced to finalise the location of infrastructure and further minimise potential impacts. Over the coming months consultants and contractors will be onsite to conduct further surveys and tests to ensure the ground conditions, including any artefacts, species and habitat, are known. Work over the next 9-12 months will focus on grid connection studies, secondary approvals including preparation of the final design report, and arrangements for transporting components to site.

Local suppliers, businesses and property owners are encouraged to register their interest in providing services or accommodation by sending their details via email with 'Supplier enquiry' as the subject. Construction is currently targeted to commence in Q1 2027.

Thank you again to the project's landowners and community members for ongoing patience and support. We look forward to providing more information in due course to the growing list of residents, suppliers and business owners excited by the opportunity to be part of this project. We will continue to seek to minimise environmental impacts, be a good neighbour, and deliver meaningful benefits to the local community and wider region as the project progresses.

Download the St Patricks Plains Wind Farm Update - February 2026